The Karali Group acquires Côte

Côte Restaurant Group has been sold to the Karali Group.

The news of the acquisition comes a month after Côte’s private equity owner, Partners Group, was thought to be looking at injecting new capital into the business rather than pursue a sale.

Talks of a sale of the Côte brand began over the summer when advisers were appointed to consider options for the future of the casual dining business.

Following today’s sale, Emma Dinnis, chief executive of Côte said: “I am proud to have led the brilliant Côte team to a sale that is a huge positive for all involved. 

“The sector continues to face challenges, but with the strength of our people and a clear vision, I’m confident we’ll ensure Côte remains everyone’s favourite brasserie. With a delicious new menu amplifying what we do best and exciting plans for the future, we will continue to transform and grow this brand.”

Karim and Salim Janmohamed added: “We have long admired the much-loved Côte Brasserie and are thrilled to welcome this fantastic brand into our growing portfolio. We are looking forward to working with both management and the broader team on the exciting plans for the brand and welcome them all individually to the Karali family. We extend our gratitude to our trusted advisors from Freeths and PKF Smith Cooper.”

The Karali Group is a family-owned franchise business, led by Salim and Karim Janmohamed.

It operates franchises within the quick-service restaurant, casual dining and café sectors and was previously the biggest UK franchisee of Burger King before it exited all 74 sites in 2022.

Last summer, it became the UK’s largest Taco Bell operator after purchasing 46 Taco Bell restaurants from a single franchisee, while Marugame Udon also signed a master franchise deal with Karali Group in a move it says will allow it to expand across the UK and Ireland.

Côte was founded in 2007, with its first site opening in London’s Wimbledon.

Partners Group acquired Côte out of administration for £55m at the height of the pandemic in 2020 when it had nearly 100 sites. The chain now trades from around 70 UK restaurants.

Photo: Chris Ghinda/Shutterstock